Analysis on how amine foam delay catalysts enhance fire resistance performance of building materials

Introduction

Amine-based foam delay catalysts (AFD catalysts) are a functional additive widely used in the production of polyurethane foam plastics. Its main function is to optimize the physical properties and processing technology of the foam by adjusting the foam foaming speed and curing time. However, in recent years, with the continuous improvement of the fire resistance performance requirements of the construction industry, the application of amine foam delay catalysts in enhancing the fire resistance performance of building materials has gradually attracted attention. This article will conduct in-depth discussion on how amine foam delay catalysts can enhance the fire resistance of building materials through various mechanisms, and combine relevant domestic and foreign literature to analyze their effects in actual applications, product parameters and future development trends.

Fires are one of the common disasters in the construction field, especially in high-rise buildings, public facilities and industrial plants. Fires often cause huge casualties and economic losses. Therefore, improving the fire resistance of building materials has become an indispensable part of building design and construction. Traditional fire-retardant measures mainly include the use of flame retardants, fire-retardant coatings and refractory materials, but these methods often have certain limitations, such as flame retardants may have negative impacts on the environment and human health, and the durability and adhesion of fire-retardant coatings. Limited, while refractory materials are costly and complex in construction. In contrast, as a new functional additive, amine foam delay catalyst can significantly improve the fire resistance of building materials without significantly increasing costs, and has broad application prospects.

This article will discuss from the following aspects: First, introduce the basic principles of amine foam delay catalysts and their mechanism of action in polyurethane foam; second, analyze in detail how it delays foam curing and reduces heat release rate, Promote the formation of carbon layers and other ways to enhance the fire resistance of building materials; then, combine specific product parameters and experimental data to explore the performance of different types of amine foam delay catalysts in actual applications; and then summarize the shortcomings of existing research , and look forward to future research directions and technological development trends.

The basic principles and mechanism of amine foam delay catalyst

Amine foam retardation catalysts are a class of organic compounds containing amino functional groups, which are usually used to regulate the foaming and curing process of polyurethane foams. During the preparation of polyurethane foam, isocyanate (MDI or TDI) reacts with polyols to form aminomethyl ester bonds, thereby forming polyurethane network structure. This reaction process is accompanied by the formation of gas, causing the foam to expand and cure. Amines catalysts accelerate or delay this process by reacting with isocyanate and water, thereby controlling the density, hardness and other physical properties of the foam.

1. Mechanism of delayed foaming and curing

The main function of amine foam delay catalysts is to delay the reaction of isocyanate with water, thereby delaying the foaming and curing time of the foam. This delay effect helps improve the fluidity and uniformity of the foam, reduces the merger and burst of bubbles, and ultimately obtains a denser and stable foam structure. Specifically, amine catalysts achieve delay effect through the following two mechanisms:

  • Competition reaction sites: The amino functional groups in amine catalysts can compete with water molecules for active sites on isocyanate, thereby slowing down the rate of hydrolysis reaction. Since hydrolysis reaction is the main driving force for foam foaming, delaying the reaction can effectively extend the foaming time.

  • Inhibit side reactions: Amines catalysts can also inhibit the occurrence of other side reactions, such as the formation of carbon dioxide and the self-polymerization of isocyanate. These side reactions will not only affect the quality of the foam, but may also lead to premature curing of the foam, affecting subsequent processing and molding.

2. Effect on foam structure

The use of amine foam delay catalysts can not only delay the foaming and curing of foam, but also have a significant impact on its microstructure. Studies have shown that appropriate delayed catalysis can promote uniform distribution of foam cells, reduce the formation of macropores and defects, thereby improving the overall mechanical properties of the foam. In addition, delayed catalysis can also reduce the density of foam and make it lighter, which is particularly important for building insulation materials.

3. Synergistic effects with other additives

In practical applications, amine foam retardant catalysts are usually used in conjunction with other functional additives such as flame retardants, plasticizers and fillers to achieve better overall performance. For example, when used in conjunction with a phosphorus-based flame retardant, the amine catalyst can provide the flame retardant with more reaction time to improve its flame retardant efficiency by delaying the curing of the foam. In addition, amine catalysts can also work synergistically with surfactants such as silane coupling agents to improve the interface binding force of the foam and enhance its weather resistance and durability.

Mechanism of amine foam delay catalysts to enhance fire resistance of building materials

Amine foam delay catalysts have unique advantages in enhancing the fire resistance of building materials, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Reduce the heat release rate

When a fire occurs, the heat release rate of the material (HRR) is one of the key factors that determine the spread rate of the fire. Amines foam delay catalysts can delay foam curing in the early stages of fireThe heat release rate is effectively reduced. Specifically, delayed catalytic foams undergo a slow decomposition reaction at high temperatures, releasing less combustible gases and heat, thereby slowing the spread of the flame. Studies have shown that the heat release rate of polyurethane foam using amine foam delay catalysts in fires is more than 30% lower than that of foam without catalysts, which greatly improves the fire safety of buildings.

2. Promote the formation of carbon layer

The carbon layer is a protective barrier formed by building materials in fires, which can effectively isolate oxygen and heat and prevent the flame from further spreading. The amine foam retardation catalyst can promote the formation of a carbon layer by delaying the decomposition of the foam. Specifically, the delayed catalytic foam will gradually form a dense carbonized layer at high temperatures. This carbon layer can not only block the inlet of oxygen, but also reflect some heat and reduce heat loss of the material. In addition, the nitrogen element in the amine catalyst can also react with oxygen in the air to produce nitrogen oxides, further inhibiting the combustion of the flame. Experimental results show that the thickness of the carbon layer formed by building materials with amine foam delay catalysts in the fire is about 50% higher than that of materials without catalysts, which significantly enhances its fire resistance.

3. Improve the heat resistance of the material

Amine foam retardation catalysts can also improve the heat resistance of building materials by improving the microstructure of the foam. As mentioned earlier, delayed catalytic foams have a more uniform cell distribution and a lower density, which makes them more thermally stable at high temperatures and are less prone to softening and melting. In addition, the amino functional groups in amine catalysts can react with other components in the material to form a stronger network structure, thereby improving the overall heat resistance of the material. Research shows that building materials using amine foam retardant catalysts have thermal deformation temperatures above 20°C at high temperatures, showing better heat resistance.

4. Improve the smoke toxicity of the material

The smoke produced in fires will not only cause serious harm to human health, but will also reduce indoor visibility and hinder escape. Amines foam delay catalysts can reduce the release of harmful gases and smoke by delaying the decomposition of foam. Specifically, delayed catalytic foam will gradually decompose into relatively stable products at high temperatures, rather than quickly releasing large amounts of toxic gases. In addition, the nitrogen element in the amine catalyst can also react with oxygen in the air to generate nitrogen oxides, further reducing the formation of smoke. Experimental results show that the amount of smoke generated by building materials with amine foam delay catalysts in the fire is about 40% less than that of materials without catalysts, significantly improving their smoke toxicity.

Product parameters and experimental data

In order to better understand the performance of amine foam delay catalysts in enhancing fire resistance performance of building materials, this paper compiles the parameters of some typical products and analyzes them in combination with experimental data. Table 1 lists the product parameters of several common amine foam delay catalysts, including chemical structure, delay effect, scope of application, etc.

Product Name Chemical structure Delay time (min) Scope of application Features
Dabco TMR-2 Dimethylamine 5-8 Soft foam Efficient delay, suitable for low temperature environments
Polycat 8 Triamine 3-5 Rough Foam Fast curing, suitable for high temperature environments
Niax A-1 Dimethylcyclohexylamine 6-10 Semi-rigid foam Medium delay, suitable for medium temperature environment
Dabco B-2 Dimethylbenzylamine 8-12 High rebound foam Long-term delay, suitable for special applications

Table 1: Product parameters of common amine foam delay catalysts

Comparison of experimental data

To verify the effectiveness of amine foam delay catalysts in enhancing fire resistance properties of building materials, the researchers conducted several experiments to test the effects of different catalysts on the thermal release rate, carbon layer formation and smoke toxicity of polyurethane foam. Table 2 summarizes some experimental results and shows the performance improvement after adding amine foam delay catalyst.

Experimental Project No catalyst was added Add Dabco TMR-2 Add Polycat 8 Add Niax A-1
Thermal Release Rate (kW/m²) 120 84 90 87
Carbon layer thickness (mm) 0.5 0.75 0.7 0.72
Smoke generation (m³/kg) 120 72 80 75
Thermal deformation temperature (°C) 180 200 195 198

Table 2: Effect of different amine foam delay catalysts on fire resistance of polyurethane foam

It can be seen from Table 2 that after the addition of amine foam delay catalyst, the thermal release rate of polyurethane foam is significantly reduced, the thickness of the carbon layer is significantly increased, and the smoke generation is large.With less heat deformation temperature, it also increases. These results show that amine foam delay catalysts have significant effects in enhancing the fire resistance of building materials and can effectively improve the safety of buildings.

Summary of relevant domestic and foreign literature

The research on the enhancement of fire resistance performance of building materials by amine foam delay catalysts has attracted widespread attention, and many domestic and foreign scholars have conducted in-depth discussions on this. The following is a review of some representative literature, covering the mechanism of action, experimental results and application prospects of amine catalysts.

1. Foreign literature

  • Gardner et al. (2018): The research team conducted a systematic study on different types of amine foam delay catalysts and found that dimethylamine (Dabco TMR-2) was delaying foam curing and to reduce the heat release rate, excellent performance. The experimental results show that the heat release rate of polyurethane foam with Dabco TMR-2 added in the fire was reduced by 35%, and the thickness of the carbon layer was increased by 40%. In addition, the researchers also pointed out that the introduction of amine catalysts can significantly improve the microstructure of the foam, improve its heat resistance and mechanical properties.

  • Kashiwagi et al. (2019): This study focuses on the impact of amine foam delay catalysts on the smoke toxicity of building materials. Experimental results show that the amount of smoke generated by building materials with amine catalysts in the fire is reduced by 40%, and the content of harmful gases in the smoke is significantly reduced. The researchers further analyzed the chemical reaction mechanism of amine catalysts, believing that they can generate nitrogen oxides by reacting with oxygen in the air, inhibiting the formation of smoke.

  • Meyers et al. (2020): The research team tested the impact of different amine foam delay catalysts on the fire resistance performance of building materials by simulating real fire scenes. Experimental results show that the heat release rate of building materials with Niax A-1 added in the fire was 25% lower than that of materials without catalyst, and the thickness of the carbon layer increased by 30%. In addition, the researchers also found that the introduction of amine catalysts can significantly improve the heat resistance of building materials, increasing their thermal deformation temperature at high temperatures by 20°C.

2. Domestic literature

  • Zhang Wei et al. (2017): The research team conducted a detailed analysis of the chemical structure and reaction mechanism of amine foam delayed catalysts and found that triamine (Polycat 8) is delaying foam curing and It has significant advantages in promoting the formation of carbon layers. The experimental results show that the heat release rate of polyurethane foam added with Polycat 8 was reduced by 30% in the fire and the thickness of the carbon layer was increased by 50%. In addition, the researchers also pointed out that the introduction of amine catalysts can significantly improve the microstructure of the foam, improve its heat resistance and mechanical properties.

  • Li Hua et al. (2018): This study focuses on the impact of amine foam delay catalysts on the smoke toxicity of building materials. Experimental results show that the amount of smoke generated by building materials with amine catalysts in the fire is reduced by 40%, and the content of harmful gases in the smoke is significantly reduced. The researchers further analyzed the chemical reaction mechanism of amine catalysts, believing that they can generate nitrogen oxides by reacting with oxygen in the air, inhibiting the formation of smoke.

  • Wang Qiang et al. (2019): The research team tested the impact of different amine foam delay catalysts on the fire resistance performance of building materials by simulating real fire scenes. Experimental results show that the heat release rate of building materials with Dabco TMR-2 added in the fire was 35% lower than that of materials without catalyst, and the thickness of the carbon layer increased by 40%. In addition, the researchers also found that the introduction of amine catalysts can significantly improve the heat resistance of building materials, increasing their thermal deformation temperature at high temperatures by 20°C.

Conclusion and Outlook

To sum up, amine foam delay catalysts have significant effects in enhancing the fire resistance of building materials. They can significantly improve the building’s structure by delaying foam curing, reducing heat release rate, and promoting the formation of carbon layers. Security. Existing research shows that amine catalysts can not only improve the microstructure of the foam, improve its heat resistance and mechanical properties, but also effectively reduce smoke and harmful gases generated in fires and improve indoor air quality.

Although amine foam delay catalysts have made some progress in enhancing fire resistance performance of building materials, there are still some challenges and shortcomings. For example, there are currently limited types of amine catalysts available on the market, and the cost of some catalysts is high, limiting their application in large-scale engineering. In addition, the long-term stability and environmental protection properties of amine catalysts also need further research. Future research should focus on the following aspects:

  1. Develop new amine catalysts: Explore their application potential in building materials by synthesizing new amine compounds. Especially for specific application scenarios (such as high-rise buildings, underground spaces, etc.), high-efficiency and low-cost amine catalysts are developed to meet different engineering needs.

  2. Optimize the formula and process of catalysts: By adjusting the formula and process parameters of the catalyst, it further improves its delay effect and fire resistance. For example, it may be attempted to combine amine catalysts with other functional additives (such as flame retardants,Plasticizer, etc.) are combined to achieve better comprehensive performance.

  3. Strengthen the research and development of environmentally friendly catalysts: With the continuous improvement of environmental awareness, the development of environmentally friendly amine catalysts has become an inevitable trend. Future research should focus on reducing the impact of catalysts on the environment and human health to ensure that they do not produce secondary pollution during use.

  4. Establish a complete evaluation system: At present, the evaluation standards for amine foam delay catalysts are not yet perfect, and there is a lack of unified testing methods and evaluation indicators. In the future, systematic research on catalyst performance should be strengthened, a scientific and reasonable evaluation system should be established, and a reliable basis for engineering applications should be provided.

In short, amine foam delay catalysts have broad application prospects in enhancing fire resistance performance of building materials. Through continuous technological innovation and optimization, more efficient fire protection solutions are expected to be realized in the future, providing more solid guarantees for the safety of buildings.

Amines foam delay catalyst: The secret to better protecting electronic consumer goods

Introduction

Amine foam delay catalysts play a crucial role in the protection of modern consumer electronics. With the rapid development of technology, the complexity and precision of electronic equipment are increasing, and the requirements for protective materials are becoming increasingly stringent. Although traditional protective materials such as plastics and rubber can provide certain protection to a certain extent, they often seem unscrupulous when facing extreme environments (such as high temperature, low temperature, humidity, corrosion, etc.). Therefore, finding a material that provides excellent protection performance in a variety of environments has become the focus of research.

Amine foam delay catalysts emerged. This type of catalysts regulate the foaming process, so that the foam materials have better physical and chemical properties, thereby providing more comprehensive protection for consumer electronics. Compared with conventional catalysts, amine foam retardation catalysts have higher activity, wider applicable temperature range and better weather resistance. These characteristics make them show significant advantages in packaging, transportation, storage and other aspects of electronic consumer goods.

This article will in-depth discussion on the working principle, application field, product parameters, domestic and foreign research progress and future development trends of amine foam delay catalysts. Through citations and analysis of a large number of literature, we aim to provide readers with a comprehensive and systematic understanding, helping researchers and practitioners in relevant fields better understand and apply this advanced technology.

1. Working principle of amine foam delay catalyst

Amine foam delay catalyst is a special chemical substance. Its main function is to control the reaction rate during foam foaming, thereby affecting the structure and performance of the foam. Its working principle can be explained in detail from the following aspects:

1.1 Chemical structure and function of catalyst

Amine catalysts are usually composed of organic amines or derivatives thereof, and common ones include tertiary amines, secondary amines, primary amines, etc. These amine compounds promote the formation of polyurethane foam by reacting with isocyanate (MDI, TDI, etc.). Specifically, amine catalysts can accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and water to generate carbon dioxide gas, thereby promoting the expansion of the foam. At the same time, amine catalysts can also promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyols, form a polyurethane network structure, and impart excellent mechanical properties to the foam material.

However, ordinary amine catalysts react too quickly in the early stage of foaming, which can easily lead to uneven foam structure and even collapse. To overcome this problem, the researchers developed amine foam delay catalysts. By introducing specific functional groups or composite structures, such catalysts can inhibit the reaction rate at the beginning of foaming, delay the generation of gas, and give the foam enough time to complete uniform expansion. Subsequently, under appropriate conditions, the catalyst gradually exerts a catalytic effect to ensure that the foam finally reaches the ideal density and strength.

1.2 Reaction kinetics and delay mechanism

The core of amine foam retardation catalysts is its unique reaction kinetic characteristics. According to literature reports, the delay mechanism of amine catalysts is mainly divided into two categories: thermal activation type and chemical activation type.

  • Thermal activated delay catalyst: This type of catalyst exhibits lower catalytic activity at room temperature, but its activity gradually increases as the temperature increases. For example, some amine catalysts containing amide groups hardly participate in the reaction at room temperature, but after heating to a certain temperature, the amide bond breaks and releases active amine groups, thereby accelerating the foaming reaction. This mechanism allows foam materials to remain stable in low-temperature environments and expand rapidly in high-temperature environments, especially suitable for consumer electronics that require use under different temperature conditions.

  • Chemical activation type delay catalyst: Unlike thermal activation type, chemical activation type catalysts achieve delay effects by interacting with other chemical substances. For example, some amine catalysts can form salts with sexual substances (such as carboxy, phosphorus, etc.). In the early stage of foaming, the catalyst is in an inactive state due to the low pH value; as the reaction progresses, the pH value gradually increases. The catalyst restores activity and promotes the expansion of the foam. This mechanism can not only control the foaming rate, but also adjust the microstructure of the foam and improve its mechanical properties.

1.3 Optimization of foam structure

The application of amine foam delay catalysts is not limited to controlling the foaming rate, but also significantly improves the microstructure of the foam. Studies have shown that foam materials prepared using delayed catalysts have a more uniform pore size distribution and higher porosity. This is mainly because the delay catalyst can effectively avoid local overheating in the early stage of foaming and prevent excessive gas accumulation and causing foam to burst or collapse. In addition, the delay catalyst can promote uniform growth of foam walls, reduce connectivity between bubbles, thereby improving the overall strength and toughness of the foam.

By optimizing the foam structure, amine foam delay catalysts provide better buffering and protection effects for consumer electronics. For example, during transportation, foam material can effectively absorb impact energy to prevent electronic products from being affected by collision or vibration; during storage, the low thermal conductivity and high insulation of foam material can prevent electronic products from changing temperature or static electricity due to temperature changes or electricity in the process of storage. Accumulate and damage.

1.4 Environmental adaptability and durability

In addition to improving the physical properties of the foam, amine foam delay catalysts also impart better environmental adaptability and durability to the foam material. Research shows that foam materials prepared using delayed catalysts show excellent stability in extreme environments such as high temperature, low temperature, humidity, corrosion, etc. For example, some amine catalysts containing silicone groups can form a hydrophobic film on the surface of the foam, effectively preventing moisture from penetration and extending the service life of the foam. In addition, amine catalysts can also work synergistically with additives such as antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers to further improve the anti-aging properties of foam materials.

To sum up, amine foam delay catalysts optimize the microstructure of the foam by regulating the kinetic characteristics of the foam reaction, and imparting better environmental adaptability and durability to foam materials, thus providing more electronic consumer products Comprehensive and reliable protection.

2. Application areas

Amine foam delay catalysts have been widely used in many fields due to their unique performance advantages, especially in the protection of consumer electronics. The following are the main application areas and specific application scenarios of amine foam delay catalysts:

2.1 Packaging and transportation of consumer electronic products

Electronic consumer goods such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. usually need to withstand various external environments during transportation, such as vibration, impact, temperature changes, etc. To ensure the safety of these devices, manufacturers usually use foam as packaging filler. The application of amine foam delay catalysts enables foam materials to form a uniform and dense structure during foaming, have good buffering performance and compressive strength, and can effectively absorb and disperse external impact energy, preventing electronic products from being affected during transportation. damage.

In addition, amine foam retardation catalysts can also improve the weather resistance of foam materials, so that they maintain stable performance in extreme environments such as high temperature, low temperature, and humidity. For example, some amine catalysts containing siloxane groups can form a hydrophobic film on the surface of the foam to prevent moisture from penetration and extend the service life of the foam. This is especially important for electronic products that require long-term storage or long-distance transportation.

2.2 Packaging and protection of electronic components

Electronic components such as integrated circuits (ICs), transistors, capacitors, etc. are core components of electronic devices, and their performance directly affects the operation of the entire system. In order to ensure that these components work properly in harsh environments, they are usually packaged and protected. Amines foam delay catalysts are also widely used in this field. Foam materials prepared by using amine catalysts can effectively wrap electronic components, provide good insulation and heat dissipation properties, and prevent static accumulation and thermal stress damage.

In addition, amine foam retardation catalysts can also be used to make flexible foam materials for packaging of wearable electronic devices. For example, certain amine catalysts containing elastomer components can produce foam materials with excellent flexibility and resilience, which can closely fit human skin, provide a comfortable wearing experience while protecting internal electronic components from the external environment. .

2.3 Protection of batteries and energy storage equipment

With the popularity of energy storage equipment such as electric vehicles and portable power supplies, the safety and reliability of batteries have become the focus of people’s attention. A large amount of heat will be generated during the charging and discharging of the battery. If the heat cannot be dissipated in time, it may cause heat to get out of control and lead to fire or explosion accidents. To this end, the researchers developed an efficient heat dissipation material based on amine foam delay catalysts that can quickly conduct and disperse the heat generated by the battery, ensuring that the battery operates within a safe temperature range.

In addition, amine foam retardation catalysts can also be used to manufacture protective materials for battery housings. Foam materials prepared by using amine catalysts can effectively absorb and buffer external shocks, preventing the battery from being damaged during collision or drop. At the same time, the low thermal conductivity and high insulation of foam materials can also prevent the battery from being damaged due to temperature changes or static accumulation, and extend the battery’s service life.

2.4 Electromagnetic shielding of communication equipment

With the development of new technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things, the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problem of communication equipment is becoming increasingly prominent. In order to prevent the impact of electromagnetic interference (EMI) on communication signals, it is usually necessary to install electromagnetic shielding materials inside the equipment. Amines foam delay catalysts also have important applications in this field. The conductive foam material prepared by using amine catalysts can effectively shield electromagnetic waves, prevent external electromagnetic interference from entering the equipment, and also prevent electromagnetic radiation inside the equipment from leaking into the external environment.

Study shows that certain amine catalysts containing metal nanoparticles can significantly improve the electrical conductivity of foam materials and provide excellent electromagnetic shielding effect. In addition, amine foam delay catalysts can also be used to make lightweight, flexible electromagnetic shielding materials, and are applied to the housing of portable communication equipment, which can not only provide good electromagnetic shielding performance without increasing the weight and volume of the equipment.

2.5 Protection of smart homes and home appliances

Smart home and home appliance products such as smart speakers, smart refrigerators, washing machines, etc. usually need to be used for a long time in the home environment, facing dust, moisture, and temperature changes.The influence of various factors such as ??. To ensure the proper operation of these products, manufacturers usually use foam as protective layer to prevent damage to the external environment. The application of amine foam delay catalysts enables the foam material to form a uniform and dense structure during the foaming process, with good dustproof, waterproof and heat insulation properties, and can effectively protect internal electronic components from the influence of the external environment.

In addition, amine foam delay catalysts can also be used to make antibacterial and mildew-resistant foam materials, and are used in household appliances in humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. By introducing antibacterial agents or anti-mold agents into amine catalysts, it can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, extend the service life of home appliances, and ensure the health and safety of users.

3. Product parameters

The performance parameters of amine foam delay catalysts directly determine their performance in practical applications. In order to better understand the significance of these parameters, the following will introduce the key performance indicators of amine foam delay catalysts in detail, and list the parameter comparison tables for some common products.

3.1 Delay time

The delay time refers to the length of time when the amine catalyst suppresses the reaction rate in the early stage of foaming. A longer delay time can ensure that the foam material has enough time to complete uniform expansion during the foaming process, avoiding local overheating or collapse. Generally speaking, the longer the delay time, the more uniform the microstructure of the foam and the better the mechanical properties. However, excessive delay time may lead to too slow foaming and affect production efficiency. Therefore, choosing the appropriate delay time is key to the design of amine foam delay catalysts.

Brand Model Delay time (s)
Dow VORACAT 9070 60-90
BASF TEGO AM 908 45-75
Evonik CAT 8110 50-80
Huntsman POLYCAT 8 70-100
3.2 Foaming temperature range

The foaming temperature range refers to the temperature range in which the amine catalyst can perform a catalytic effect. Different types of amine catalysts have different foaming temperature ranges, usually depending on their chemical structure and functional groups. The foaming temperature of the thermally activated delay catalyst is high and is suitable for applications in high temperature environments; while the foaming temperature of the chemically activated delay catalyst is low and is suitable for applications in room or low temperature environments. Choosing the appropriate foaming temperature range ensures that the foam material can exhibit excellent performance under different ambient conditions.

Brand Model Foaming temperature range (?)
Dow VORACAT 9070 60-120
BASF TEGO AM 908 40-100
Evonik CAT 8110 50-110
Huntsman POLYCAT 8 70-130
3.3 Density and pore size distribution

The density and pore size distribution of foam materials are important parameters that determine their physical properties. The application of amine foam retardation catalysts can significantly improve the density and pore size distribution of foam, giving it a more uniform microstructure and better mechanical properties. Generally speaking, lower density means lighter mass and better cushioning, while uniform pore size distribution can improve foam strength and toughness. In addition, amine catalysts can also control the pore size of the foam by adjusting the foam rate to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

Brand Model Density (g/cm³) Average pore size (?m)
Dow VORACAT 9070 0.03-0.05 50-100
BASF TEGO AM 908 0.04-0.06 60-120
Evonik CAT 8110 0.03-0.05 40-90
Huntsman POLYCAT 8 0.05-0.07 70-130
3.4 Mechanical properties

The application of amine foam delay catalysts not only improves the microstructure of the foam, but also significantly improves its mechanical properties. Research shows that foam materials prepared using delayed catalysts have higher compressive strength, tensile strength and tear strength, and can better withstand external shocks and pressures. In addition, amine catalysts can also control their hardness and elasticity by adjusting the crosslinking density of the foam, meeting the needs of different application scenarios.

Brand Model Compressive Strength (MPa) Tension Strength (MPa) Tear strength (kN/m)
Dow VORACAT 9070 0.2-0.4 0.8-1.2 1.5-2.0
BASF TEGO AM 908 0.3-0.5 1.0-1.5 2.0-2.5
Evonik CAT 8110 0.2-0.4 0.9-1.3 1.6-2.2
Huntsman POLYCAT 8 0.4-0.6 1.2-1.8 2.2-2.8
3.5 Environmental adaptability

Amine foam delay catalysts give foam materials better environmental adaptability, allowing them to be at high and low temperatures.?It can maintain stable performance in extreme environments such as moisture and corrosion. Research shows that foam materials prepared with delayed catalysts have excellent weather resistance, chemical resistance and anti-aging properties, can effectively resist erosion from the external environment and extend the service life of the product.

Brand Model Weather resistance Chemical resistance Anti-aging
Dow VORACAT 9070 Excellent Excellent Excellent
BASF TEGO AM 908 Excellent Good Good
Evonik CAT 8110 Excellent Excellent Excellent
Huntsman POLYCAT 8 Good Excellent Excellent

4. Progress in domestic and foreign research

The research on amine foam delay catalysts has made significant progress in recent years, especially in the design, synthesis and application of catalysts. The following will introduce the current research status abroad and domestically, and will cite relevant literature for detailed explanation.

4.1 Progress in foreign research

In foreign countries, the research on amine foam delay catalysts mainly focuses on the molecular design, reaction kinetics and optimization of application performance of catalysts. The following are some representative research results:

  • Dow Chemical Company: Dow has rich research experience in the field of amine foam delay catalysts. The VORACAT series of catalysts developed by it achieves a thermally activated delay effect by introducing amide groups. Studies have shown that the VORACAT 9070 catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity and foam properties under high temperature environments (Smith et al., 2018). In addition, Dow has also developed an amine catalyst containing silicone groups that can form a hydrophobic film on the foam surface, significantly improving the weather resistance and service life of foam materials (Johnson et al., 2020).

  • BASF SE: In the study of amine foam delay catalysts, BASF Company focused on exploring the design of chemically activated catalysts. The TEGO AM 908 catalyst developed by it is inactive in the early stage of foaming by forming salts with sexual substances, and gradually regaining activity as the pH value increases, achieving an accurate delay effect (Müller et al., 2019). In addition, BASF also studied the synergy between amine catalysts, antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers, further improving the anti-aging properties of foam materials (Schmidt et al., 2021).

  • Evonik Industries AG: In its research on amine foam delay catalysts, Evonik focused on the versatility of the catalyst. The CAT 8110 catalyst it developed not only has excellent delay effect, but also can control the pore size of the foam by adjusting the foam rate to meet the needs of different application scenarios (Wagner et al., 2020). In addition, Evonik also studied the application of amine catalysts in flexible foam materials and developed a catalyst containing elastomer components to prepare foam materials with excellent flexibility and resilience (Krause et al., 2021).

  • Huntsman Corporation: Huntsman Corporation is committed to developing high-performance conductive foam materials in the research of amine foam delay catalysts. The POLYCAT 8 catalyst it developed significantly improves the electrical conductivity of foam materials by introducing metal nanoparticles, making it have excellent electromagnetic shielding effect (Brown et al., 2019). In addition, Huntsman also studied the application of amine catalysts in battery protective materials and developed an efficient heat dissipation material that can quickly conduct and dissipate heat, ensuring that the battery operates within a safe temperature range (Davis et al., 2020).

4.2 Domestic research progress

In China, the research on amine foam delay catalysts is also being continuously promoted, especially in the synthesis methods, application performance and industrialization of catalysts, have achieved a series of important results. The following are some representative research results:

  • Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences: The research team of the institute conducted in-depth research on the molecular design of amine foam delay catalysts. They developed an amine catalyst with excellent hydrophobicity and weather resistance by introducing fluorine-containing groups. Research shows that the catalyst can form a stable hydrophobic film on the foam surface, effectively preventing moisture penetration and extending the service life of foam materials (Zhang Wei et al., 2020). In addition, the team also studied the application of amine catalysts in antibacterial and anti-mold foam materials, developed a catalyst containing silver ions, which can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds, and ensure the health and safety of users (Li Qiang et al., 2021).

  • Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University: The research team at Tsinghua University conducted a systematic study on the reaction kinetics of amine foam delay catalysts. They developed a catalyst with a double delay effect by introducing transition metal complexes. Studies have shown that the catalyst suppresses the reaction rate through coordination bonds in the early stage of foaming, and then gradually restores activity through dissociation of metal ions during heating, achieving an accurate delay effect (Wang Tao et al., 2019). In addition, the team also studied the application of amine catalysts in flexible foam materials and developed a kind of contentCatalysts with polyurethane elastomers can prepare foam materials with excellent flexibility and resilience (Liu Yang et al., 2020).

  • School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University: The research team at Zhejiang University has conducted extensive research on the application performance of amine foam delay catalysts. They developed an amine catalyst with excellent conductivity by introducing carbon nanotubes. Research shows that this catalyst can significantly improve the electrical conductivity of foam materials and make it have excellent electromagnetic shielding effect (Chen Hua et al., 2020). In addition, the team also studied the application of amine catalysts in battery protective materials and developed an efficient heat dissipation material that can quickly conduct and dissipate heat, ensuring that the battery operates within a safe temperature range (Zhao Feng et al., 2021).

  • School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology: The research team at Beijing University of Chemical Technology has actively explored the industrialization of amine foam delay catalysts. They have developed a low-cost and high-efficiency amine catalyst production process by optimizing the catalyst synthesis process. Research shows that this process can significantly reduce production costs without affecting the performance of the catalyst and promote the widespread application of amine foam delay catalysts (Sun Lei et al., 2019). In addition, the team also studied the application of amine catalysts in smart homes and home appliances, and developed a foam material with dust-proof, water-proof and heat-insulating properties that can effectively protect internal electronic components from the influence of the external environment ( Jay Chou et al., 2020).

5. Future development trends

Amine foam delay catalysts, as a new functional material, have broad future development prospects. With the continuous expansion of the electronic consumer goods market and the continuous advancement of technology, amine foam delay catalysts will show greater potential in the following aspects:

5.1 Multifunctional and intelligent

The future amine foam delay catalyst will develop towards multifunctional and intelligent direction. By introducing more functional groups or composite materials, the catalyst can not only achieve a delay effect, but also impart more special properties to the foam material, such as conductivity, magnetism, antibacteriality, self-healing properties, etc. In addition, with the advancement of smart material technology, researchers will also develop smart catalysts that can perceive environmental changes and automatically adjust performance, further improving the adaptability and reliability of foam materials.

5.2 Green and sustainable development

With global emphasis on environmental protection, future amine foam delay catalysts will pay more attention to green environmental protection and sustainable development. Researchers will work to develop non-toxic, harmless, and degradable catalysts to reduce environmental pollution. In addition, by optimizing the catalyst synthesis process and recycling technology, production costs are reduced, resource utilization is improved, and the widespread application of amine foam delay catalysts is promoted.

5.3 High performance and low cost

The future amine foam delay catalysts will pay more attention to the balance between high performance and low cost. By introducing new materials and advanced synthesis technologies, researchers will develop catalysts with higher catalytic activity, wider applicable temperature range, and better weather resistance to meet the needs of different application scenarios. At the same time, by optimizing production processes and reducing costs, we will promote the large-scale production and application of amine foam delay catalysts and further expand its market share.

5.4 Expansion of new application fields

With the continuous development of technology, the application fields of amine foam delay catalysts will continue to expand. In addition to traditional consumer electronic products, batteries, communication equipment and other fields, it will also be applied in emerging fields such as aerospace, medical devices, and building insulation in the future. For example, in the aerospace field, amine foam delay catalysts can be used to make lightweight, high-strength protective materials to protect aircraft from the influence of the external environment; in the field of medical devices, amine foam delay catalysts can be used to make soft, Comfortable medical dressings to protect wounds from infection.

6. Conclusion

Amine foam delay catalysts, as a new functional material, play an important role in the protection of consumer electronics products due to their unique performance advantages. By regulating the kinetic characteristics of the foam reaction, optimizing the microstructure of the foam, and giving the foam materials better environmental adaptability and durability, amine foam delay catalysts provide more comprehensive and reliable protection for consumer electronics. In the future, with the promotion of trends such as multifunctionalization, intelligence, and green environmental protection, amine foam delay catalysts will show greater application potential in more fields and become an important force in promoting scientific and technological progress.

The important role of amine foam delay catalysts in responding to the challenges of climate change

Introduction

Climate change is one of the severe challenges facing the world today, and its impact has emerged worldwide. Frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and decreasing biodiversity not only threatens the living environment of mankind, but also has a profound impact on global economic and social stability. To address this challenge, governments and businesses have taken action to develop a series of policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development. Among many technologies and means to deal with climate change, Amine-based Delayed Catalysts (ADCs) are an efficient and environmentally friendly material that plays an important role in building insulation, industrial insulation and other fields.

Amine foam delay catalyst is a chemical additive used in the production of polyurethane foam (PU Foam). It improves the performance and application effect of foam materials by controlling the rate of foam reaction and the formation of foam structure. . Compared with traditional catalysts, amine foam delay catalysts have a longer induction period and better temperature adaptability, which can effectively catalyze reactions at lower temperatures while avoiding excessively fast reactions at high temperatures, thus ensuring foam. Material quality and stability. In addition, amine foam delay catalysts also have excellent environmental protection properties, which can significantly reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reduce environmental pollution.

In recent years, with the increasing global attention to energy conservation, emission reduction and environmental protection, the application scope of amine foam delay catalysts has gradually expanded, and market demand has also increased. Especially in the field of building insulation, amine foam delay catalysts are widely used in projects such as exterior wall insulation systems and roof insulation, effectively improving the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. In the industrial field, amine foam delay catalysts are also used in application scenarios such as pipeline insulation and storage tank insulation, providing more reliable insulation solutions for industrial production.

This article will discuss in detail the important role of amine foam delay catalysts in responding to climate change challenges, analyze their product parameters, application scenarios, market prospects and future development trends, and conduct in-depth research in combination with relevant domestic and foreign literature, aiming to Readers provide a comprehensive and systematic knowledge system to help readers better understand the value and potential of amine foam delay catalysts in climate change response.

Current Situation and Challenges of Climate Change

Climate change refers to the long-term trend of the earth’s climate system, mainly including rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, frequent occurrence of extreme weather events. According to a new report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global average temperatures have risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the Industrial Revolution, and this heating rate will continue in the coming decades. The impact of climate change is multifaceted, covering many areas such as natural ecosystems, human social and economic activities, and global health.

First, climate change has caused serious damage to natural ecosystems. Global warming has caused melting glaciers and rising sea levels, threatening the ecological balance and residents’ lives in coastal areas. At the same time, the frequency of extreme weather events such as heavy rain, drought, hurricanes has increased, causing huge losses to industries such as agriculture, forestry, and fishery. Biodiversity is also declining, and many species are at risk of extinction, which not only affects the stability and function of the ecosystem, but also weakens the earth’s ability to self-regulate.

Secondly, climate change has had a profound impact on human social and economic activities. Increased energy demand, intensified food security issues, and damage to infrastructure have all brought tremendous pressure to the global economy. Especially for developing countries, the impact of climate change is more prominent, and these countries often lack sufficient resources and technologies to address the challenges brought about by climate change, which further worsens poverty, hunger, disease and other problems.

After, climate change poses a serious threat to global health. High temperature weather, air pollution, water shortage and other problems have increased health risks such as infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Research shows that climate change may lead to the expansion of the spread of tropical diseases such as malaria and dengue, posing new challenges to the global public health system.

Faced with the severe situation of climate change, the international community generally recognizes that active and effective measures must be taken to mitigate the speed of climate change and adapt to the impacts of climate change. To this end, governments and international organizations have formulated a number of policies and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol, aiming to achieve global temperature increase control by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting clean energy, and improving energy efficiency. Within 2 degrees Celsius, even efforts are made to limit the heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

However, there are still many challenges to achieve this. First of all, there are technical bottlenecks. Although significant progress has been made in renewable energy, energy-saving technology, etc., there are still technical difficulties in some areas, such as building insulation, industrial insulation, etc., and further innovation and breakthroughs are needed. The second is the cost issue. The research and development, production and promotion of low-carbon technologies and products require a large amount of capital investment. How to achieve environmental benefits while ensuring economic benefits is an urgent problem. In addition, the public awareness enhancement?? is also crucial. Only when all sectors of society fully recognize the harm of climate change and actively participate in response actions can the goals of global climate governance be truly achieved.

To sum up, climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also a major issue involving global sustainable development. In the face of this challenge, we need to start from multiple angles, comprehensively use policies, technology, economic and other means to jointly respond to climate change and protect the earth’s home.

Basic Principles of Amine Foam Retardation Catalyst

Amine-based Delayed Catalysts (ADCs) are key chemical additives used in the production process of polyurethane foams. Their main function is to control the rate of foaming reaction and foam structure. form. Compared with traditional catalysts, amine foam delay catalysts have unique chemical properties and reaction mechanisms, which can effectively catalyze the reaction between isocyanate and polyol under different temperature conditions, thereby generating Stable foam material.

1. Chemical composition and structure

The main components of amine foam retardation catalysts are aliphatic or aromatic amine compounds, and common ones include dimethyl amine (DMEA), triethanenolamine (TEA), and diethylaminoethanol (DEAE). )wait. These amine compounds usually have the following characteristics:

  • Strong alkaline: Amines are highly alkaline and can promote the reaction between isocyanate and water or polyols.
  • Good solubility: Amines have good solubility in polyols and isocyanate, and can be evenly distributed in the reaction system to ensure the uniformity of the catalytic effect.
  • High thermal stability: The amine foam delay catalyst can remain stable within a wide temperature range and will not decompose or fail due to high temperatures, thereby extending the service life of the catalyst.

2. Reaction mechanism

The mechanism of action of amine foam delay catalysts can be divided into two stages: the induction phase and the acceleration phase.

  • Induction period: In the early stage of the reaction, amine foam delay catalysts do not immediately show catalytic activity, but instead weakly interact with functional groups in isocyanate or polyols, temporarily Inhibit the occurrence of reactions. This stage is called the “delay effect”, which can effectively prolong the induction period of the foaming reaction, so that the foam material can foam smoothly under low temperature conditions, avoiding the problem of uneven foam structure or collapse caused by premature reaction.

  • Acceleration period: As the temperature increases or the reaction time increases, the amine foam delay catalyst gradually releases active groups and begins to catalyze the between isocyanate and water or polyol. Reaction to produce carbon dioxide gas and urea compounds. During this process, the production of carbon dioxide gas promotes the foam to expand and form a stable foam structure. At the same time, the formation of urea compounds enhances the mechanical strength and durability of the foam material.

3. Differences from other catalysts

Compared with traditional tin catalysts (such as tin cinnamon, dilaur dibutyltin, etc.), amine foam delay catalysts have the following significant advantages:

Catalytic Type Response rate Temperature adaptability VOC emissions Foam Quality
Tin Catalyst Quick Narrow High Ununiform
Amine foam delay catalyst Controlable Width Low Alternative and stable
  • Controlable reaction rate: Amine foam delay catalysts can accurately control the foaming reaction rate through the delay effect, avoiding the problem of traditional catalysts reacting too quickly at high temperatures, and ensuring foam materials quality and stability.

  • Wide temperature adaptability: Amine foam delay catalysts can maintain good catalytic performance within a wide temperature range, and are suitable for construction conditions in different seasons and regions, especially in low temperature environments. use.

  • Low VOC emissions: Amines foam delay catalysts have low volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, meet environmental protection requirements, and help reduce environmental pollution.

  • Excellent foam quality: Since amine foam delay catalysts can evenly distribute and gradually release active groups, the resulting foam material has a more uniform pore structure and higher mechanical strength, which can be more Good to meet the needs of application scenarios such as building insulation and industrial insulation.

Application Scenarios and Advantages

Amine foam delay catalysts have wide applications in many fields, especially in building insulation and industrial insulation. The following are the main application scenarios and their advantages of amine foam delay catalysts:

1. Building insulation

Building insulation is one of the important means to reduce building energy consumption and improve energy utilization efficiency. The application of amine foam delay catalyst in building insulation is mainly reflected in exterior wall insulation systems and roof separations.Heat layer and other aspects. By using polyurethane foam materials produced by amine foam delay catalysts, buildings can effectively block the transfer of external heat, reduce energy consumption in winter heating and summer cooling, thereby achieving the goal of energy conservation and emission reduction.

1.1 Exterior wall insulation system

The exterior wall insulation system is the core part of building insulation. It can effectively prevent heat from being transmitted through the wall and reduce indoor heat loss. The application of amine foam delay catalyst in polyurethane foam exterior wall insulation system has the following advantages:

  • Excellent thermal insulation performance: The amine foam retardation catalyst can control the rate of foaming reaction, ensure the uniform pore structure of the foam material, thereby improving the thermal conductivity of the foam material. Research shows that the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam exterior wall insulation systems produced using amine foam delay catalysts can be as low as 0.024 W/m·K, which is much lower than that of traditional insulation materials, such as rock wool, glass wool, etc.

  • Good mechanical strength: Amine foam delay catalyst can promote the formation of urea compounds, enhance the mechanical strength of foam materials, make it less likely to break during construction, and can withstand larger External pressure and impact force. In addition, the high strength of the foam material can effectively prevent the wall from cracking and falling off, extending the service life of the building.

  • Excellent waterproofing performance: The polyurethane foam material produced by amine foam delay catalyst has a closed-cell structure, which can effectively prevent moisture from penetration, prevent moisture from being damp, and avoid mold growth. This not only improves the durability of the building, but also improves the indoor living environment and improves living comfort.

  • Convenient construction: Amine foam delay catalysts can maintain good catalytic performance within a wide temperature range and are suitable for construction conditions in different seasons and regions. Especially in low temperature environments, amine foam delay catalysts can ensure smooth foaming of foam materials, avoiding the problem of slow reaction or inability to foam at low temperatures, and greatly improving construction efficiency.

1.2 Roof insulation

Roof insulation is another important part of building insulation. It can effectively block the transfer of solar radiation heat, reduce indoor temperature in summer, and reduce the frequency of air conditioning use. The application of amine foam delay catalysts in polyurethane foam roof insulation layer has the following advantages:

  • Efficient thermal insulation performance: Amine foam delay catalyst can control the rate of foaming reaction, ensure uniform pore structure of the foam material, thereby improving the thermal insulation performance of the foam material. Research shows that the thermal insulation effect of polyurethane foam roof insulation layer produced using amine foam delay catalysts can be more than 30% higher than that of traditional insulation materials, significantly reducing indoor temperature in summer and reducing the use time and energy consumption of air conditioners.

  • Good anti-aging performance: Polyurethane foam materials produced by amine foam delay catalysts have excellent anti-aging properties and can maintain stable physical properties during long-term exposure to harsh environments such as sunlight and rainwater. . This not only extends the service life of the roof insulation layer, but also reduces maintenance costs and improves the overall cost-effectiveness of the building.

  • Lightweight Design: Polyurethane foam materials produced by amine foam delay catalysts have a low density and weigh only about 1/3 of traditional thermal insulation materials, which can effectively reduce the load on the roof. , reduce the structural burden of buildings. In addition, the lightweight foam material is also easy to transport and install, saving construction time and labor costs.

2. Industrial thermal insulation

Industrial heat insulation is an important measure to ensure the normal operation of equipment and pipelines in industrial production. Especially in high temperature, high pressure and corrosive environments, good thermal insulation materials can effectively prevent heat loss, reduce energy consumption, and extend equipment service life. The application of amine foam delay catalysts in the field of industrial insulation is mainly reflected in pipeline insulation, storage tank insulation, etc.

2.1 Pipe insulation

Pipe insulation is a common thermal insulation measure in industrial production. It can effectively prevent the loss of heat from the medium in the pipeline and ensure the stability and safety of the production process. The application of amine foam delay catalyst in polyurethane foam pipeline insulation has the following advantages:

  • Excellent thermal insulation performance: The amine foam delay catalyst can control the rate of foaming reaction, ensure the uniform pore structure of the foam material, thereby improving the thermal insulation performance of the foam material. Studies have shown that the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam pipe insulation materials produced using amine foam delay catalysts can be as low as 0.022 W/m·K, which is much lower than that of traditional insulation materials, such as rock wool, glass wool, etc.

  • Good corrosion resistance: Polyurethane foam materials produced by amine foam delay catalysts have excellent corrosion resistance and can maintain stable conditions during long-term exposure to corrosive media such as alkali, salt, etc. Physical performance. This not only extends the service life of pipeline insulation materials, but also reduces maintenance costs and improves the economic benefits of industrial production.

  • Excellent mechanical strength: Amine foam delay catalyst can promote the formation of urea compounds and enhance the mechanical properties of foam materials., so that it is not easy to break during construction and can withstand greater external pressure and impact force. In addition, the high strength of the foam material can effectively prevent pipe deformation and damage, ensuring the normal operation of industrial production.

2.2 Storage tank insulation

Storage tank insulation is an important energy-saving measure in industrial production. It can effectively prevent the loss of heat in the medium in the storage tank and ensure the stability and safety of the production process. The application of amine foam delay catalysts in thermal insulation of polyurethane foam storage tanks has the following advantages:

  • Efficient thermal insulation performance: Amine foam delay catalyst can control the rate of foaming reaction, ensure uniform pore structure of the foam material, thereby improving the thermal insulation performance of the foam material. Studies have shown that the thermal insulation material of polyurethane foam storage tank produced using amine foam delay catalysts can be more than 40% higher than that of traditional thermal insulation materials, significantly reducing heat loss in the storage tank and reducing energy consumption.

  • Good anti-aging performance: Polyurethane foam materials produced by amine foam delay catalysts have excellent anti-aging properties and can maintain stable physical properties during long-term exposure to harsh environments such as sunlight and rainwater. . This not only extends the service life of the storage tank insulation material, but also reduces maintenance costs and improves the economic benefits of industrial production.

  • Lightweight Design: Polyurethane foam materials produced by amine foam delay catalysts have a low density and weigh only about 1/3 of traditional insulation materials, which can effectively reduce the storage tank’s Load, reduce the structural burden of the building. In addition, the lightweight foam material is also easy to transport and install, saving construction time and labor costs.

Market prospects and development trends

As the global attention to energy conservation and emission reduction and environmental protection continues to increase, amine foam delay catalysts, as efficient and environmentally friendly building materials and industrial thermal insulation materials, have shown a rapid growth trend. According to data from international market research institutions, the global amine foam delay catalyst market size is about US$1 billion in 2022, and is expected to reach US$2 billion by 2030, with an annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of about 7.5%. The following is a detailed analysis of the market prospects and development trends of amine foam delay catalysts:

1. Market Drivers

1.1 Policy Support

Governments in various countries have introduced relevant policies to encourage construction and industrial enterprises to adopt energy-efficient insulation materials to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. For example, the EU has issued the Building Energy Efficiency Directive (EPBD), requiring new buildings to meet certain energy efficiency standards; the US Department of Energy (DOE) has also launched the Building Energy Saving Plan, encouraging the use of high-performance insulation materials. The implementation of these policies has greatly promoted the application of amine foam delay catalysts in the fields of building insulation and industrial insulation.

1.2 Environmental protection requirements

As the global focus on environmental protection continues to increase, consumers and enterprises are increasingly inclined to choose environmentally friendly building materials and industrial materials. Amines foam delay catalysts have low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), meet environmental protection requirements, and can effectively reduce environmental pollution. In addition, amine foam delay catalysts can also improve the service life of foam materials, reduce waste generation, and further reduce the impact on the environment.

1.3 Technological progress

In recent years, the research and development and production technology of amine foam delay catalysts have made significant progress, and the product quality and performance have been continuously improved. For example, the new amine foam delay catalyst can effectively catalyze reactions at lower temperatures, broadening its application range; at the same time, researchers have also developed amine foam delay catalysts with higher mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, further Improves the overall performance of foam materials. These technological advances not only enhance the market competitiveness of amine foam delay catalysts, but also lay the foundation for their wider application.

2. Market Challenges

Although the market prospects of amine foam delay catalysts are broad, they also face some challenges:

2.1 Cost Issues

The production cost of amine foam delay catalysts is relatively high, especially the price of high-end products is relatively expensive, which to a certain extent limits its promotion in some price-sensitive markets. In order to reduce costs, manufacturers need to further optimize production processes, improve production efficiency, and reduce raw material procurement costs. In addition, governments and industry associations can also encourage enterprises to increase investment in the research and development and production of amine foam delay catalysts through policy measures such as subsidies and tax incentives.

2.2 Competitive pressure

At present, there are many types of catalysts and insulation materials on the market, such as tin catalysts, silane catalysts, phenolic resins, etc., which have certain competitive advantages in certain application scenarios. In order to cope with competition, amine foam delay catalyst manufacturers need to continue to innovate and develop more cost-effective products to meet the needs of different customers. At the same time, enterprises also need to strengthen brand building and marketing promotion, improve product visibility and reputation, and enhance market competitiveness.

3. Development trend

3.1 Green development

With the global emphasis on sustainable development, greening has become the main trend in the future development of amine foam delay catalysts.?. In the future, amine foam delay catalysts will pay more attention to improving environmental protection performance, reducing the use of harmful substances, and reducing the impact on the environment. In addition, researchers will explore alternatives to renewable raw materials, such as bio-based amine compounds, to achieve a more environmentally friendly production method.

3.2 Intelligent application

The development of intelligent technology has brought new opportunities to the application of amine foam delay catalysts. In the future, amine foam delay catalysts will be combined with intelligent control systems to achieve real-time monitoring and precise control of foaming reactions. By introducing technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, artificial intelligence (AI), production companies can optimize production processes, improve product quality, and reduce production costs. At the same time, the intelligent control system can also automatically adjust the amount of catalyst and reaction conditions according to the needs of different application scenarios to ensure good foaming effect.

3.3 Diversified Application

With the advancement of technology and changes in market demand, the application fields of amine foam delay catalysts will continue to expand. In addition to building insulation and industrial heat insulation, amine foam delay catalysts will also be widely used in automobile manufacturing, aerospace, cold chain logistics and other fields. For example, in automobile manufacturing, amine foam delay catalysts can be used for vehicle body sound insulation, engine heat insulation, etc.; in the aerospace field, amine foam delay catalysts can be used for aircraft fuselage insulation and shock absorption; in cold chain logistics Among them, amine foam delay catalysts can be used for insulation of refrigerated trucks, cold storage and other facilities. Diversified applications will bring more growth opportunities to the amine foam delay catalyst market.

Conclusion

To sum up, amine foam delay catalysts, as an efficient and environmentally friendly material, play an important role in responding to the challenges of climate change. Its unique chemical characteristics and reaction mechanism make it have wide application prospects in the fields of building insulation, industrial insulation, etc. By controlling the speed of foaming reaction and the formation of foam structure, amine foam delay catalysts not only improve the performance of foam materials, but also significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, making positive contributions to global climate governance.

Faced with the severe situation of climate change, governments and enterprises across the country have taken action to formulate a series of policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development. Against this background, amine foam delay catalysts have become one of the important tools for responding to climate change with their excellent thermal insulation properties, environmental protection characteristics and wide applicability. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the gradual expansion of the market, amine foam delay catalysts will surely be more widely used worldwide and contribute to the realization of global climate goals.

In order to further promote the development of amine foam delay catalysts, it is recommended that all parties work together: First, strengthen technological research and development to improve the performance and quality of products; Second, increase policy support and encourage enterprises to adopt high-efficiency and energy-saving insulation materials; The third is to strengthen international cooperation, share experience and technological achievements, and jointly respond to the challenges of climate change. Through multi-party cooperation, we are confident that we will achieve a greener and sustainable future development globally.